Lab Research Assistant

The University of Texas System • Austin, TX

416d • $31,200 - $31,200

About The Position

The Lab Research Assistant position at the University of Texas at Austin involves supporting the Dunton Lab in conducting field and experimental studies related to coastal wetlands, specifically focusing on seagrass and marsh systems. The role includes laboratory duties such as sample processing, data management, and instrument maintenance, with a strong emphasis on fieldwork and data collection along the Texas coast.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in marine, biological, or environmental sciences, or a closely related field.
• General knowledge of local habitats, particularly coastal wetlands and associated flora and ecosystem processes.
• Strong organizational and computer skills (MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint).
• Basic hiking and swimming ability.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with vegetation identification and field sampling methodology.
• Boat operating skills and comfort in aquatic habitats.
• Experience with analyses of sediment/water biogeochemistry and plant ecophysiology.
• Experience with grades K-8 outreach.

Responsibilities

• Conduct emergent and submergent vegetation and sea level monitoring along the Texas coast and other wetland sites.
• Analyze water samples in the laboratory for Total Suspended Solids, chlorophyll, and nutrients.
• Process plant and sediment cores for various analyses including organic matter and moisture content.
• Perform computer data entry, data QA/QC, and preliminary data analysis.
• Assist with sieving and sorting of biological material, instrumentation deployment, and outreach activities.

Benefits

• Retirement plan eligibility through Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS).
• Employment eligibility verification and compliance with E-Verify.
• Equal opportunity employer policies.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Industry: Educational Services
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree